On Tuesday, Chinese state media reported that the former Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, had returned to work. China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported that the decision to remove Chen was made at the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress.
Appointed foreign minister in December 2022, Chen Gang has been dubbed the “wolf warrior,” a nickname given to a new generation of Chinese diplomats who have responded with strong rhetoric against Western criticism of China.
Chen Gang answers spontaneous questions from NRK after a meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Storr, in Oslo, May 12, 2023.
Photo: Terje Pedersen/NTB
Rise quickly through the ranks
Chen went from spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry to a briefcase bearer, and then became China’s ambassador to the United States in 2021.
He was there for only 17 months before becoming Secretary of State.
Despite being the face of China to the outside world, Qin Gang was conspicuous by his absence for nearly four weeks.
A meeting with the EU foreign minister has been cancelled, for no known reason.
About two weeks ago, he was supposed to be in Indonesia, for a meeting with the leaders of Southeast Asian countries.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs then announced that Chen would not run for health reasons.
A photo of him on a hospital bed, or resting in an armchair, would have put an end to the rumors.
Instead, the answer to questions about where he was, why he wasn’t at work, and when he would be back was: “No comment.”
The alleged scandal received wide coverage at home and abroad. Here is the “Critical Moment” program on Taiwanese TV station Dongsen News that deals with the issue.
Photo: YouTube screenshot
Rumors abounded
Chen Gang is 47 years old. He is married and has one child from his wife.
His mysterious disappearance caused rumors to circulate.
Many are wondering if it could be true that he had a mistress and thus may have fallen out of favor with the country’s leader, Xi Jinping.
US envoy on climate change John Kerry met with Wang Yi in Beijing on July 18.
Photo: Florence Lu/Reuters
It is still not clear where Qin Gang resided. Also, the reason for your dismissal is unknown.
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